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Lee County, AL Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum lot area
15,000 sq ft (Sec. 4.2(1))
Lot coverage cap
None exists in the code
Height limit
45 ft residential, 60 ft nonresidential
Cross-referenced rule
Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, Sec. 4.2(2)
Correction deadline
30 days after written notice, Sec. 6.3(a)
Final appeal
37th Judicial Circuit Court within 30 days

Summary

Lee County's Zoning Regulations don't cap lot coverage or impervious surface at all: Section 4.2 sets only a 15,000-square-foot minimum lot area, a cross-reference to the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, and a 45-foot residential/60-foot nonresidential height ceiling. There's no percentage-based coverage limit anywhere in the code.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lee County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Sections 4.2 Dimensional requirements. All uses shall comply with the following dimensional requirements: (1) The minimum lot area shall be 15,000 square feet or as otherwise required by the Lee County Health Department. (2) All lots shall meet the minimum dimensional requirements of the Lee County Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, as amended. (3) The maximum building height shall be 45 feet for residential buildings and 60 feet for nonresidential buildings... In case the Planning Director finds a building or structure is erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted, or maintained, or any subdivision is established, or land used in violation of these Zoning Regulations, the Planning Director shall issue a written notification and order to correct to all persons in violation... The written notification shall specify a reasonable time to correct such violation, but in no case more than thirty (30) days.

Full Breakdown

2, titled 'Dimensional requirements,' is short and complete: it sets the minimum lot area at 15,000 square feet 'or as otherwise required by the Lee County Health Department,' requires every lot to also meet the Lee County Subdivision and Land Development Regulations' dimensional standards, and caps building height at 45 feet for residential buildings and 60 feet for nonresidential buildings. 1 makes these standards apply to 'all uses and activities established after the effective date of these regulations,' under authority the Planning Commission draws from Section 6 of Alabama Act 401, its enabling act. 4 at least 15 days before a scheduled hearing. '

Violations & Fines

Building beyond these dimensional limits, such as on an undersized lot or over the height cap, triggers a written correction notice with a 30-day deadline under Section 6.3(a). Ignoring it lets the county attorney sue to force compliance or block occupancy, with the losing side covering court costs and reasonable attorney fees under Section 6.3(c).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lee County limit how much of my lot I can cover with buildings?
No. Section 4.2's Dimensional requirements set only a 15,000-square-foot minimum lot area, a cross-reference to the Subdivision Regulations, and building height caps; there's no lot coverage or impervious surface percentage anywhere in the Zoning Regulations.
How tall can I build?
Section 4.2(3) caps building height at 45 feet for residential buildings and 60 feet for nonresidential buildings, countywide in the zoning districts where these regulations apply, regardless of the underlying use or district.
What if my lot doesn't meet the 15,000-square-foot minimum?
It has to meet the minimum lot area of 15,000 square feet, or whatever larger area the Lee County Health Department requires for septic and water service, plus the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations' own lot standards.
How do I appeal a dimensional violation finding?
File an Administrative Appeal with the Planning Commission under Section 6.4 at least 15 days before the hearing. From there you can ask the Zoning Review Board to review the record within 15 days, and finally appeal to the 37th Judicial Circuit Court within 30 days.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lee County

All Lee County rules

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